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Home > Drug Category > Eye Care > Ilube Eye Drops and Equivalent

Ilube Eye Drops (Acetylcysteine / Hypromellose) Information

Ilube Eye Drops (acetylcysteine 5% and hypromellose) function as artificial tears with both mucolytic and lubricant properties. They are indicated for the relief and treatment of dry eye syndromes associated with deficient tear secretion, and specifically for those with impaired or abnormal mucus production. The drops are typically administered as 1 or 2 drops into the affected eye(s) 3 or 4 times daily, or as directed by a healthcare professional.

The mechanism of action of Ilube is unique due to the combination of its two components: Acetylcysteine, a derivative of the naturally occurring amino acid L-cysteine, possesses powerful mucolytic properties. It works by chemically breaking the disulphide bonds in thick mucus, reducing its viscosity and tenacity. This liquifying action helps clear the sticky, stringy mucus, allowing the remaining tear fluid to spread more easily and effectively across the eye surface. Hypromellose is a synthetic polymer that acts as an ocular lubricant and wetting agent. It forms a transparent film on the surface of the eye, increasing the solution's viscosity and lubricating the cornea and conjunctiva to relieve dryness and friction. The combination ensures that the eye is both lubricated and cleared of problematic mucus.

Ilube Eye Drops Side Effects

Ilube Eye Drops are generally well tolerated, but as a medication containing a preservative, side effects may occur. Common side effects are localized, mild, and include temporary sensations upon application, such as stinging, mild burning, or irritation. Other frequent, minor effects include temporary blurred vision immediately after instillation due to the solution's viscosity, as well as minor eye redness or itching.

However, more serious side effects may be related to either the active ingredients or the preservative. If any of the following symptoms are experienced, the patient should stop using the drops and seek immediate medical attention:

• Hypersensitivity Reaction: Although rare, symptoms such as eyelid or facial swelling, or signs of a severe allergic reaction, must be reported immediately.

• Persistent Ocular Pain/Irritation: Any discomfort, increased reddening, or irritation that occurs and persists or worsens after using the medicine.

• Symptoms of Corneal Complication: Due to the presence of the preservative benzalkonium chloride, patients with pre-existing dry eye or compromised corneas should be monitored, and persistent abnormal eye sensation or pain should be reported.

Ilube Eye Drops Precautions

Ilube Eye Drops are for ophthalmic use only and must not be injected or swallowed. The product contains the preservative benzalkonium chloride, which can be absorbed by soft contact lenses and may cause discoloration. Therefore, patients using soft contact lenses must remove them before application and wait at least 15 minutes before re-inserting them. As benzalkonium chloride can also cause eye irritation, the drops should be used with caution in patients with severe dry eyes or compromised corneas. To avoid contamination, the dropper tip must not touch any surface, including the eye or eyelids. Patients must be advised that their vision may be blurred after using the drops and must not drive or use heavy machinery until their vision is clear. The bottle's contents must be discarded 28 days after first opening to prevent the risk of eye infection.

Do I need a prescription to order Ilube Eye Drops?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Ilube Eye Drops.